The Monkey and the Boar
Cleverness wins where strength cannot
About this book
A man makes his old monkey perform tricks in town for money, then decides the monkey is too old and calls the butcher. The monkey overhears the plan and asks the wise wild boar for help. The boar's clever plan saves the monkey's life, and the story ends with gratitude all around. An ancient Japanese tale about cleverness and gratitude.
Book details
| Book type | Read Along Book – Narrated in a real human voice with word-by-word highlighting and static pictures. |
|---|---|
| Author | Samrath Singh |
| Ages | 5 to 7 years, also 3 to 5 years and 7 to 9 years |
| Grade | Grade 2 |
| Reading level | Level 3, Intermediate Readers |
| Length | 8 pages, 360 words, 3 minutes |
| Categories | Folktales, Story Time |
| Interactive features | What is This activity |
| Language | English |
Where you can read this book
Reading and Math app: Read it here, plus What is This activity in the Reading and Math app.
Get the Reading and Math AppRead Along App: Read along narration with word by word highlighting.
Get the Read Along AppQuizzes and activities live in the Reading and Math app only. They are not part of the Read Along App.
Why read The Monkey and the Boar with your child
Cleverness wins this story, not strength. The monkey cannot fight the man's decision, and the boar cannot fight the man either, so they solve the problem with a plan. Ask your child whether the boar's plan was fair, and what it means to be grateful. The ending gives a clear talking point about gratitude and second chances.
Talk about it together
- Why did the monkey ask the boar for help? He overheard the man say the butcher would kill him, and the wild boar was known to be very wise.
- Was the boar's plan fair to the man and his wife? Why or why not?
- What would you do for a friend in trouble?
Inside the book
The Monkey and the Boar is an ancient Japanese tale about cleverness and gratitude. A monkey in trouble needs help he cannot give himself, and a wise boar nearby has an idea. The story asks which wins: strength, or a clever plan thought through with a friend.
Children gain a first lesson in thinking before acting, and in saying thank you to the friend who helped. It is short, funny in places, and easy to retell. Read it together, then ask your child whether the boar's plan was fair, and what it means to be grateful.
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Frequently asked questions
What ages is this book for?
Ages 3 to 9 years, at Grade 2 and Level 3 for intermediate readers.
Is the book narrated?
Yes. It is a read along book, so a real human voice reads the story while words are highlighted one by one on screen.
Which apps carry this book?
Both the Reading and Math app and the Read Along App. The What is This activity is a Reading and Math app feature. This book has no quiz.
How long is the book?
Eight pages, 360 words, about 3 minutes of reading time.
Is this a Japanese folktale?
Yes. It is an ancient Japanese tale that shows the significance of cleverness and gratitude. The wise boar, the grateful monkey, and the plan that saves a life all come from that tradition.
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